Petrolheads from all around the district were out and about in Mataura on Sunday, as the Motoring Mad car rally kicked off for another year.
The event, held at Tulloch Park, had 120 cars and four motorbikes entering into the rally, complemented by the sunny weather.
Organiser Cody Wards said the day went well.
‘‘It was great, I think it was a great atmosphere.
‘‘Helps that the sun was out for the first day in a while, a few yarns, people were happy I think,’’ he said.
On the day, instead of a best car, a top five was awarded to
a select few in show.
The winners this year were a ’49 Custom, a ‘62 Cadillac, a ’48 Ford Coup, a ’61 Desoto and a ‘61 Mercury.
There was a trophy for best-attended car club, which went to Southern ‘‘Aussie’’ Muscle.
Mr Wards said the show had a large variety of cars on display.
‘‘There was a good mix this year.
‘‘Right from to a Fiat 500, all the way up to a big Mercury,’’ he said.
Mr Wards is also the president of the Mataura Scouts, for which Motoring Mad is the main fundraiser.
Mr Wards said the proceeds were going to the club to help keep scouting tradition alive, and help families involve
their children in the club.
‘‘We fundraise quite a lot to subsidise the club fees and make it more affordable for families. We subsidise it quite a lot, close to 50%,’’ he said.
In a time of rising living costs, Mr Wards said the subsidisation was a major help for both families and the Scouts.
‘‘I think it’s huge at the moment.
‘‘Nothing’s cheap, but it gets kids being involved in Scouts, which is a very big thing.
‘‘It’s good to keep it alive.’’
Mr Wards said although this year only had the car rally, he was hoping to bring back Motoring Mad as a weekend event, with the drive-in movie and the cruise returning similar to past years.
